My time at CPS dormitory has been so amazing for these past few months. In just a short time (though it seemed like forever at times), I feel like I really got to know the kids. Working in the girls' dormitory with staff members, Jong and Joy, has been a real blessing. The girls we work with are not always willing to listen and do according to what we tell them but we're always praying for them and gradually building relationships with them so that they can become individual thinkers and see the outcomes of their decisions. I mean, what can we say? There are a total of 34 girls, all ranging from first grade to ninth grade. Therefore, many of them (as I can imagine) are going through the ups and downs of puberty while struggling to make good decisions in the midst of peer pressure.
This adorable girl is Wanida. Since my arrival, she has stuck onto me like glue! Unfortunately, she is lacking a wonderful relationship from her parents. What's more, she is caught a few times breaking the rules at the dorm. I see her with many scars, bruises, and other skin incarcerations that she refuses to tell me about. She doesn't have many friends. Yet, she loves hugging me and being around me every chance she gets. This girl is so precious in the sight of God--I only pray that she will be able to see that, too. My heart breaks for her because I, too, was very restless and naughty as a young child. I don't know what much I can do to help her situation, but I am definitely praying that the Lord will give me insight and wisdom in helping her see herself as God sees her--having more value than a thousand rubies and a bright future if she puts her trust in Him (Jeremiah 29:11).
 |
| With Wanida, P'Beem (my roomie), and Sirirat |
"Why do you have a bag on your head?!" you might ask. Well, I have to be honest--I got lice. Yes, I'm afraid it's inevitable when being around kids from villages. However, this is a part of doing Kingdom work--you can't hug the children and be around them all the time and NOT get it. I suppose it's just another form of denying ourselves and carrying the cross. Um...I have to be honest, it was a miserable experience. I mean, have YOU ever had lice before?! It's nonstop itchiness--day and night. I had to comb my hair a million times a day with a lice brush, trying to get every little bit out...and then the kids come at you again. :) Luckily, it's only for the beginning of the semester since many of them haven't been de-liced yet. But what can I say? I am happy to have been considered worthy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:41). I mean, isn't this an amazing story I can take back home with me? ;)
 |
| Every night, the girls get together for worship and Bible reading |
 |
| My lovely living room (thanks, Chris and Esther! :)) (I will definitely miss this place) |
 |
| My lovely bedroom |
 |
| Saturday English lessons |
 |
| Roasting khao laam (ข้าวหลาม) with the kids |
 |
| Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Rai (just like in "Tangled"!) |
 |
| Sports Day |
 |
| Christian Paisansart School--standing up for righteous causes |
 |
| Sports Day--also filled with elaborate ceremonies, parades, and shows put on by the children |
 |
| Celebrating birthdays outside w/songs, games, and goodies! |
Surprisingly, the girls that are most attracted to me at the dormitory are those that are not Christians, making low grades, and have a difficult personal life with their families. Please pray that they will see the Lord in me, that I may have the wisdom needed to know what to say to them, how to minister to them, and opportunities to present them with the Word that they may be transformed by it.
Unfortunately, due to a number of various things I'm involved in, including meeting friends from afar, weddings and other important events of personal friends, village evangelism, and my homework for my M.A. program, it has been difficult finding time to stay at the dorm and spending as much time with the little ones as much as possible. Pray that I would make the most out of my time here with them, that they may see God in me and grow up in accordance to His ways as revealed to them through His Word.
